The 2nd Friendship Game Between ACI Knights and Ateneo de Naga Basketball Team

The Ateneo de Naga Basketball Team

I reported earlier that in the middle of July 2009 our ACI Knights went to Ateneo de Naga for friendship game. It was materialized because Coach Aldin Ayo and Ateneo's Coach Noli Ayo are distant relatives and close friends. I was tasked by Fr. Superior to accompany our team in that event.

The ACI Knights, with Jayson Garlan, Peter and Jeffry, stretching before the friendship game

We lost that game because the Ateneo team had a homecourt and homecrowd advantage and they really out shot us during the first and second quarter. They were also bigger and taller. And our players were able to adjust during the third and fourth quarters but it was already too late to turn the tide since the advantage of the opponent was more than 20 points. He, he, he...

Cris and Biboy before the game

This time it is the turn of Ateneo de Naga to visit Sorsogon and play in our Gymnasium. It was July 31 Feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola. So when Coach Noli and his entourage arrived I jokingly told them: "Today is the feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola the patron saint of Ateneo and the Jesuit Order. Therefore Ateneo must win to give honor to their Patron. The ACI Knights must win because they must honor St. Jerome Emiliani, the patron saint of our School and our Somascan Order. Anyway, whoever wins it will be for the Glory of our Lord Jesus. Give your best shots." It was greeted with laughs and smiles.

Jojo and Dennis flexing their muscles too

I was very happy because Coach Noli gave me a beautiful Ateneo T-Shirt in Blue. He, he, he... and to return the generosity that he gave me in Naga I also sat on his side the whole game long and gave him companionship. We talked about the games, fouls, game plans, Ateneo-La Salle rivalry, etc.

The crowd that happily enjoyed the game between Aemilianum and Ateneo de Naga

The game started with the prayer led by Fr. Bobby Sabayton, CRS and with a short introduction hosted by Ms. Pacla, one of our English professors. After the formal introduction of each team and players and Coaches with their staff the game started. I've noticed that many students still recognize the Ateneo players who played in this same Gym 3 years ago when they captured the Invitational Cup sponsored by the Aemilianum College.

Fr. Romeo 'Bobby' Sabayton, CRS leading the prayer

In the middle of the game our City Mayor, the Honorable Leovic Dioneda arrived and joined us for a while. He just finished taping his TV program at AITV5 when he noticed the loud screams from the Gym. After knowing that a friendship game between ACI and Ateneo was going on he decided to take a look for some minutes. Those minutes increased as he was carried by the intensity of the game which is understandable because Mayor Dioneda is known as a sports lover and promoter. He was not able to finish the game though because of a scheduled meeting in the City Hall.

The Ateneo Team introduced to the public one by one

To cut the story short, our team won this time. Why and How? First, Coach Aldin was able to adjust his team to the play of Ateneo de Naga. Second, Jojo who failed to play in Naga was able to do so now and he was the main scorer for us this time. Third, the homecourt advantage was beneficial for us as it was a disadvantegeous to the opponent. Our shots were entering while those of the Ateneo players were missing. They need more familiarity with the ring and the court. Of course we cannot under estimate the influence of the home crowd who loves their Knights very much. We won for about 11 points I think. It was a clear win but not that much as well.

The two teams shake hands in a gesture of friendship

The third game will no longer be a friendship game but the actual competition for BACCS. The regional sports competiton of all Catholic Schools in the Bicol Region. It was held in Ateneo de Naga last Aug. 13-15, 2009 with Chris Tiu, famed Blue Eagle who was the superstar of UAAP Season 71, as the guest of honor.

Coach Aldin instructs his team with Cris and Jojo listening attentively

Ateneo de Naga won the crown with the formidable Aquinas University as First Runner Up and we got the Third Place after these two prominet schools by defeating University of Sta. Isabel.

Coach Aldin again stressing a point while Jonathan and Adrian listen

Here in Sorsogon the BICCS is on-going. So far our Knights are undefeated in their brackets after three games with stunning victory over Sorsogon State College on the opening night, then with 16 points advantage against The Lewis College and more than 40 points against St. Louise de Marillac College. Hope more victories to come.

Coach Aldin Ayo unveils a plan right during the game's break

CONGRATULATIONS TO ATENEO DE NAGA TEAM AND GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

The same intensity is manifested in the Ateneo side

From right: In blue, Ateneo's former Coach Noli Ayo, Sorsogon City Mayor Leovic Dioneda, Fr. Abe, CRS, Mr. Manny Daep the City Administrator and companions. At the back, in yellow stands Mr. Rosauro Amistoso the technical director of AITV5.

Same group

The Ateneo de Naga cheering squad perfoming before the crowd They delighted the crowd with excellent performance

They energized the students with their beautiful choreography and dynamic number

Gilbert Jeniebre of ACI taking free throws

Peter taking Free Throws

Biboy, Julius and Cris with Gilbert at the back enjoying fresh air at Coach Aldin's garden after the game and snack.

The ACI Knights with Ateneo de Naga cheering team